Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080279253 | Method and articles for sensing relative temperature - A method for determining the relative body temperature of a warm-bodied animal is described. The method, in part, involves an article of manufacture that provides a manifestation, or visually observable indication on an exterior surface, of a relative state of the warm-bodied animal's body temperature, either being too cold or too hot, as a measure against relative levels of hypothermia or hyperthermia, or poor circulation. | 11-13-2008 |
20090111088 | RAPID ASSESSMENT OF UPPER RESPIRATORY CONDITIONS - A method for rapidly assessing upper respiratory conditions is provided. More specifically, the method involves contacting a sample obtained from the upper respiratory tract of a host with a test strip. The test strip contains an indicator that provides a broad spectrum response in the presence of bacteria, mold, yeast, or other microorganisms that is different than its response in the presence of viruses. This allows for a rapid and simple assessment as to whether the test sample is infected with a virus or some other microorganism. To help a clinician identify the proper course of treatment, it may also be desirable to obtain further information about the particular type of microorganism present. In this regard, the test strip contains any array of one or more differentiating indicators that provides a certain spectral response in the presence of different types of microorganisms. For example, the array may provide a certain spectral response in the presence of gram-negative bacteria, but a completely different spectral response in the presence of gram-positive bacteria. Likewise, the array may provide a certain spectral response in the presence of Rhinoviruses (associated with the common cold), but a different response in the presence of Influenza viruses. Detection of the spectral response provided by the indicators may thus allow for rapid differentiation between different types of microorganisms. | 04-30-2009 |
20090142275 | Wound Suture Capable of Identifying the Presence of Bacteria - A wound suture containing a solvatochromatic indicator that undergoes a color change in the presence of bacteria often associated with surgical site infection is provided. Such a color change provides a “real time” indication of the onset of infection, which may alert medical staff to apply an appropriate antimicrobial treatment (e.g., antibiotic) to the patient (e.g., human or animal) before a more serious infection occurs. The patient may also be able to accurately monitor the condition of a wound after discharge from the hospital. Further, the lack of a color change may provide the medical staff or patient with the assurance that the area is generally free of infection and clean. | 06-04-2009 |
20090143516 | Thermochromic responsive elastic polymer substrate - A material composition including a flexible, polymeric matrix and a reverse-thermochromic colorant is described. When subjected to a heat source, the polymeric material can change color from a pale or neutral color to a darker or more vibrant color of a Delta E (ΔE) change of >3. The reverse-thermochromic colorant exhibits a color change when exposed to a heat source within a period of about 30 seconds, and is observable by an unaided human eye under either natural daylight or ambient artificial normal lighting conditions. One or more different reverse-thermochromic colorants in combination may be incorporated. The polymeric matrix surrounds or encapsulates a solvatochromic dye molecule with a phenolate betaine structure. The polymeric matrix includes a dipole orientating agent that induces said solvatochromic dye to express locally when subjected to a temperature change. Various uses for the composition and articles that incorporate the composition are also described, in addition to a method of indicating the temperature of an object or environmental condition. | 06-04-2009 |
20090155327 | Self-Indicating Wipe for Removing Bacteria from a Surface - A wipe that includes a bacteriostatic agent that contains cations having an affinity for the negatively charged cell walls of bacteria is provided. The affinity of the bacteriostatic agent for the bacteria allows the wipe to capture bacteria, thereby removing them from a surface and also inhibiting their spread to other surfaces that may contact the wipe. Of particular advantage, the bacteriostatic agent may help protect against the spread or infection of pathogens without the use of chemicals, such as antiseptics or antibiotics. Still further, the wipe of the present invention also contains a solvatochromatic indicator that undergoes a color change in the presence of a broad spectrum of bacteria. Thus, when the wipe captures bacteria, the indicator undergoes a color change that signals to the user that the wipe is functioning properly. The lack of a color change may likewise provide the user with the assurance that the area is generally free of bacteria and clean. | 06-18-2009 |
20090197296 | Optical Indicator for Detecting Bacterial Pathogens - A clinical testing assay device that can differentiate bacterial from viral infections is described. The assay device has a sample contact zone with an absorbent pad on which a test sample is deposited and a detection zone with a colorant indicator that is sensitive to bacteria cells. The colorant indicator changes color when exposed to a bacteria sample. The color change signal can manifest relatively quickly, usually within a few minutes, and with an intensity correlative to the concentration of bacteria in a test sample. A method of use is also provided. | 08-06-2009 |
20090221061 | Array for Rapid Detection of a Microorganism - A method for detecting a microorganism or class of microorganisms is provided. More specifically, the method employs an array that contains a plurality of discrete regions (referred to as “addresses”) spaced apart on a solid support in a predetermined pattern. The addresses are selected so that the array provides a distinct spectral response (e.g., pattern of colors) or “fingerprint” for a particular microorganism or class of microorganisms. For example, the array may provide a certain spectral response in the presence of one microorganism or class of microoryanisms (e.g., gram-negative bacteria), but provide a completely different spectral response in the presence of another microorganism or class of microorganisms (e.g., gram-positive bacteria). Detection of the spectral response provided by the array may thus allow for differentiation between microorganisms. | 09-03-2009 |
20100291670 | Method for Detecting Candida on Skin - A method and system for rapidly detecting | 11-18-2010 |
20110015598 | Color-Changing Materials And Multiple Component Materials Having A Color-Changing Composition - The present invention relates to a color-changing material and to a multiple-component material that includes a color-changing composition. The color-changing materials and color-changing compositions are capable of changing color in order to indicate a change in condition, such as a change in pH. The color-changing materials and color-changing compositions include a hydrogel-forming composition, a charged colorant and a pH adjuster. The hydrogel-forming composition includes at least one charged species. | 01-20-2011 |
20120328485 | Color-Changing Materials And Multiple Component Materials Having A Color-Changing Composition - The present invention relates to a color-changing material and to a multiple-component material that includes a color-changing composition. The color-changing materials and color-changing compositions are capable of changing color in order to indicate a change in condition, such as a change in pH. The color-changing materials and color-changing compositions include a hydrogel-forming composition, a charged colorant and a pH adjuster. The hydrogel-forming composition includes at least one charged species. | 12-27-2012 |